Podcast

The Water Industry To-Do List: WWEMA Helps Set The Agenda

Source: WWEMA

Vanessa Leiby, the new executive director for the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA), has a lot on her plate. The following are just some of the initiatives the trade organization representing water and wastewater solution providers is addressing…

The “Buy American” provision for American iron and steel products in State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects;

Overcoming the barriers to innovation and the advancement of water/wastewater technology;

Recasting drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater as “one water” and developing it as an energy-rich resource.

The most controversial of the above is “Buy American,” which Leiby contends casts “winners and losers” and is a hindrance to growth.

“We're looking at the bigger picture, which is what's good collectively for all manufacturers in America, not just the couple of winners that come out of this legislation. We're looking at our ability to sell abroad, and to expand the markets for all the manufacturers,” says Leiby.

WWEMA’s value is found in its advocacy efforts on behalf of water solutions providers; connections and influence within member ranks, the EPA, and other government entities; collection and distillation of important industry information; and strategic planning to overcome market challenges. That and more, according to Leiby.

Get further details on WWEMA’s goals and initiatives by tuning in below.